you're just imagining it

About

you're just imagining it is a single player simulation game. It was developed by npckc and was released on November 5, 2024. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

a chronic illness simulation game. you think you have a chronic illness, but you don't know what. all you know is you are always in some state of pain. you've been to too many doctors to count... but you still have to live your life. how long will it take for you to get a diagnosis?

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Play Modes

Single-Player

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98%

Audience ScoreBased on 272 reviews

story5 positive mentions

grinding1 negative mentions

The game provides a powerful and emotional representation of the struggles faced by individuals with chronic illnesses, making players feel seen and understood.
Its minimalist design and simple mechanics effectively convey the frustration and helplessness of navigating the healthcare system, resonating deeply with those who have experienced similar challenges.
The art style and music contribute to the overall atmosphere, enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative while keeping the experience engaging.

The gameplay is very basic and lacks meaningful choices, which may leave players feeling like they are merely clicking through a story rather than engaging in a game.
Some players found the experience to be too short and not enjoyable, as it focuses on heavy themes without providing a sense of fun or accomplishment.
The game may trigger strong emotions and frustration for those who have faced similar medical challenges, making it a difficult experience for some players.

story
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
16%
75%
9%
The game's story is a poignant and relatable exploration of chronic illness and the struggles associated with obtaining a proper diagnosis, resonating deeply with players who have experienced similar challenges. While the gameplay is simple, the narrative is impactful, offering a short yet emotional journey that sheds light on the often-overlooked realities of those living with invisible disabilities. Overall, it is recommended for those who appreciate interactive storytelling that addresses serious and personal themes.
- “The story is so realistic, and the dialogue with the doctors and thoughts are all things I have experienced myself.”
- “This story brought a lot of emotion, seeing how this is the actual reality with the healthcare system.”
- “Short story game shedding light on the struggle chronically ill people often go through to get a diagnosis.”
- “The story is nonetheless very depressing and you should only play if you're okay playing a story where the main character suffers a lot.”
- “It's not much of a 'game', it's more of a simple story about something real when it comes to illness diagnosis.”
- “The story accurately displays how long it takes for someone to genuinely get the proper diagnosis with certain conditions; I can say this because this was the exact same problem with my mom.”
graphics
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
58%
13%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players criticizing them as among the worst on Steam, while others praise the cute and simplistic art style as charming and soothing. Many appreciate the thoughtfulness and care put into the visuals, noting that the graphics effectively complement the game's themes and enhance the overall experience. Overall, the art style is described as lovely and cozy, contributing positively to the game's atmosphere.
- “I appreciated the cute but simple graphics, and the art style is soothing.”
- “The fact this game is entirely free is insane, considering how much thought and care was put into it and how lovely the art style is.”
- “The graphics are cute and give the game a lot of style.”
- “The graphics here are particularly awful, so bad that it actually stands out as one of the worst looking games on Steam.”
- “The visuals and sound design are simple and unassuming; frankly, even that simplicity began to annoy me by the end of it.”
- “The art style is cute, and that is truly what saved my screen from being punched through.”
emotional
23 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game elicits strong emotional responses from players, particularly those dealing with chronic pain and medical uncertainty, often leading to tears and a sense of catharsis. While some critiques suggest that addressing serious issues like mental health through gaming can be misguided, many users find the game's portrayal of their struggles to be relatable and validating. Overall, its brief yet impactful narrative resonates deeply, making players feel seen and understood in their experiences.
- “Even though the experience is brief, it can create a strong emotional resonance, especially for those who’ve faced complex medical journeys: diagnostic uncertainty, dismissal of pain, rushed appointments, or a healthcare system under strain.”
- “As a person with an unspecified chronic illness, it finally made me feel seen; it perfectly reflects how most doctors react when faced with a person with rare diseases and how tiring managing symptoms can be.”
- “I cried at the end, because I could understand the relief of the person in the game.”
gameplay
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
62%
19%
The gameplay is characterized by a repetitive loop focused on managing pain and making choices between work and rest, often overshadowed by lengthy text cutscenes that detract from active engagement. While the minimalist mechanics and art style may lack depth, they effectively convey the emotional weight of chronic illness, providing a cathartic experience for players. Overall, the gameplay is simple and brief, with some players appreciating its emotional impact despite its limitations.
- “The game is minimalist in both art direction and mechanics: few meaningful choices, few 'outcomes' — and that’s precisely what makes it feel accurate.”
- “Simple gameplay with real life issues - do I push through feeling awful and having pain to go to work and make money for bills and the doctor, or rest?”
- “I like the combination of the typical visual novel-style gameplay with managing your stats.”
- “The developers failed one of the most basic, fundamental requirements of game design: 'show, don't tell.' You'll spend a huge amount of time not playing the game, but clicking through endless lines of poorly written visual novel text cutscenes because the developers couldn't figure out how to relate their narrative through the game mechanics.”
- “The gameplay follows a repetitive loop: taking medication, visiting various doctors (each more disconnected than the last), and adjusting your efforts based on your pain levels.”
- “The medication tab mentioned keeping track of how you're feeling, but it's not an actual mechanic.”
music
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
24%
38%
The music score in the game is described as short yet charming, complementing the cute and cozy atmosphere without being overwhelming. While some users criticize the developer for charging for a soundtrack that feels integral to the game, many appreciate the simplicity and beauty of both the music and art style, noting that they enhance the overall experience.
- “Not only is it a cute game, it is also cozy, with the soundtrack not being overbearing.”
- “The simplistic art style and soundtrack work really well and are gorgeous.”
- “:) Also, the art style and music are really simple but quite lovely, fitting perfectly for the theme.”
- “A composed music score, which is shorter than 5 heartbeats; well, your heart is not sore enough yet.”
- “The developer has their hand out for a $3 USD 'donation' for this, as you're expected to give them money for soundtrack DLC (that's already in the game) from Steam to 'support' the 'developer'... digital panhandling.”
- “And buy the soundtrack.”
humor
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's humor is characterized by a satirical take on the U.S. healthcare system, blending dark comedy with personal storytelling. While it may not be overtly funny, players appreciate its clever use of humor to address serious themes, making it relatable even for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. Overall, the humor is described as sharp and engaging, adding depth to the gaming experience.
- “It's a nice game that made me laugh a little bit because it really mocks the healthcare system in the US.”
- “This game has acid humor at its best, lmao.”
- “(Please don't take this seriously, it's not criticism; I'm just trying to be funny.)”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviewers appreciate the game's atmosphere, highlighting how the charming sprites and minimalist design contribute to an engaging and immersive experience.
- “I liked all the little sprites; the minimalism really added to the atmosphere of the game!”
- “The haunting soundtrack perfectly complements the eerie visuals, creating an immersive atmosphere that keeps you on edge.”
- “The rich, detailed environments draw you in, making every moment feel alive and enhancing the overall atmosphere.”
grinding
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users find the grinding aspect of the game to be engaging and efficient, effectively illustrating the often tedious journey toward obtaining a diagnosis.

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Frequently Asked Questions

you're just imagining it is a simulation game.

you're just imagining it is available on PC, Web Browser, Mac OS, Windows and others.

you're just imagining it was released on November 5, 2024.

you're just imagining it was developed by npckc.

you're just imagining it has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its gameplay.

you're just imagining it is a single player game.

Similar games include Depression Quest, Robin, Missed Messages, Actual Sunlight, one night, hot springs and others.

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